Systems, devices and methods for ultra-dense, flexible ultraviolet led micro arrays used in viral load reduction and sterilization

ABSTRACT

An array of high intensity UVC LEDs usable for in vivo reduction of patient viral load or ex vivo sterilization.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 63/140,237, titled “LARGE-SCALE UV-C INACTIVATIONDEVICES AND SIMULATIONS OF THE SAME,” filed Jan. 21, 2021 (AttorneyDocket No. D/188PROV), 63/109,333, titled “INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF UV-CINACTIVATION DEVICES,” filed Nov. 3, 2020 (Attorney Docket No.D/187PROV), 63/085,140, titled “UV-C VIRUS INACTIVATION DEVICES ANDSUPRESSING SOUND AND OPERATING THE SAME,” filed Sep. 29, 2020 (AttorneyDocket No. D/186PROV-2), 63/085,134, titled “UV-C VIRUS INACTIVATIONDEVICES AND SUPRESSING SOUND AND OPERATING THE SAME,” filed Sep. 29,2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/186PROV-1), 63/056,534, titled “SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR UV-C INACTIVATED VIRUS VACCINES AND UV-C SANITIZATION,”filed Jul. 24, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/185PROV), 63/042,494, titled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT AIR STERILIZATION WITHOUT CIRCULATIONUNSANITIZED AIR,” filed Jun. 22, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/184PROV),63/023,845, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDS-FREE OBJECTSTERILIZATION,” filed May 12, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/183PROV),63/018,699, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UV-C SURFACE STERILIZATION,”filed May 1, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/182PROV), 63/015,469, titled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING WORK AREA AND PERFORMANCE OF UV-CGENERATORS,” filed Apr. 24, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/181PROV),63/009,301, titled “UV-C AMPLIFIERS AND CONTROL OF THE SAME,” filed Apr.13, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/180PROV), 63/006,710, titled “SYSTEMS,DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ULTRA-DENSE, FLEXIBLE LED MICRO-ARRAYS FOR INVIVO VIRAL LOAD REDUCTION,” filed Apr. 7, 2020 (Attorney Docket No.D/179PROV-3), 63/003,882, titled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FORULTRA-DENSE, FLEXIBLE LED MICRO-ARRAYS FOR IN VIVO VIRAL LOADREDUCTION,” filed Apr. 1, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/179PROV-2),63/001,461, titled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ULTRA-DENSE,FLEXIBLE LED MICRO-ARRAYS FOR IN VIVO VIRAL LOAD REDUCTION,” filed Mar.29, 2020 (Attorney Docket No. D/179PROV-1), each of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to light sources, for example, light emittingdiode arrays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A card may include a dynamic magnetic communications device. Such adynamic magnetic communications device may take the form of a magneticencoder or a magnetic emulator. A magnetic encoder may change theinformation located on a magnetic medium such that a magnetic stripereader may read changed magnetic information from the magnetic medium. Amagnetic emulator may generate electromagnetic fields that directlycommunicate data to a magnetic stripe reader. Such a magnetic emulatormay communicate data serially to a read-head of the magnetic stripereader.

All, or substantially all, of the front as well as the back of a cardmay be a display (e.g., bi-stable, non bi-stable, LCD, LED, orelectrochromic display). Electrodes of a display may be coupled to oneor more capacitive touch sensors such that a display may be provided asa touch-screen display. Any type of touch-screen display may beutilized. Such touch-screen displays may be operable of determiningmultiple points of touch. Accordingly, a barcode may be displayed acrossall, or substantially all, of a surface of a card. In doing so, computervision equipment such as barcode readers may be less susceptible toerrors in reading a displayed barcode.

A card may include a number of output devices to output dynamicinformation. For example, a card may include one or more RFIDs or ICchips to communicate to one or more RFID readers or IC chip readers,respectively. A card may include devices to receive information. Forexample, an RFID and IC chip may both receive information andcommunicate information to an RFID and IC chip reader, respectively. Adevice for receiving wireless information signals may be provided. Alight sensing device or sound sensing device may be utilized to receiveinformation wirelessly. A card may include a central processor thatcommunicates data through one or more output devices simultaneously(e.g., an RFID, IC chip, and a dynamic magnetic stripe communicationsdevice). The central processor may receive information from one or moreinput devices simultaneously (e.g., an RFID, IC chip, dynamic magneticstripe devices, light sensing device, and a sound sensing device). Aprocessor may be coupled to surface contacts such that the processor mayperform the processing capabilities of, for example, an EMV chip. Theprocessor may be laminated over and not exposed such that the processoris not exposed on the surface of the card.

A card may be provided with a button in which the activation of thebutton causes a code to be communicated through a dynamic magneticstripe communications device (e.g., the subsequent time a read-headdetector on the card detects a read-head). The code may be indicativeof, for example, a feature (e.g., a payment feature). The code may bereceived by the card via manual input (e.g., onto buttons of the card)or via a wireless transmission (e.g., via light, electromagneticcommunications, sound, or other wireless signals). A code may becommunicated from a webpage (e.g., via light and/or sound) to a card. Acard may include a display such that a received code may be visuallydisplayed to a user. In doing so, the user may be provided with a way toselect, and use, the code via both an in-store setting (e.g., via amagnetic stripe reader) or an online setting (e.g., by reading the codefrom a display and entering the code into a text box on a checkout pageof an online purchase transaction). A remote server, such as a paymentauthorization server, may receive the code and may process a paymentdifferently based on the code received. For example, a code may be asecurity code to authorize a purchase transaction. A code may provide apayment feature such that a purchase may be made with points, debit,credit, installment payments, or deferred payments via a single paymentaccount number (e.g., a credit card number) to identify a user and apayment feature code to select the type of payment a user desires toutilize.

A dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include a magneticemulator that comprises an inductor (e.g., a coil). Current may beprovided through this coil to create an electromagnetic field operableto communicate with the read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. The drivecircuit may fluctuate the amount of current travelling through the coilsuch that a track of magnetic stripe data may be communicated to aread-head of a magnetic stripe reader. A switch (e.g., a transistor) maybe provided to enable or disable the flow of current according to, forexample, a frequency/double-frequency (F2F) encoding algorithm. In doingso, bits of data may be communicated.

A card may include a touch transmitter that may activate a capacitivetouch sensor on another device such that the other device believes auser physically touched the capacitive touch sensor with his/her finger.Accordingly, a touch transmitter may activate a capacitive touch screen,such as a capacitive touch screen found on a mobile telephonic device,tablet computing device, or a capacitive touch screen of a laptop orstationary computer. The touch transmitter may, accordingly, communicateinformation to a device (e.g., to a mobile telephonic device) byactivating and deactivating a touch sensor (or sensors) on a capacitivetouch screen in a particular manner. For example, a touch transmittermay communicate information serially by activating and deactivating acapacitive touch screen sensor with respect to time. A touch transmittermay, accordingly, communicate information via a capacitive touch sensorusing F2F encoding, where a state transition occurs either at anactivation or, for example, at an activation as well as a deactivation.In this manner, a card may communicate information directly to a mobiletelephonic device with a capacitive touch screen, or any device with acapacitive touch screen, without requiring any physical connections orthe use of proprietary communication protocols.

A card, or other device, may have one or more light sensors. Such alight sensor may include, for example, one or more photoresistors,photodiodes, phototransistors, light emitting diodes sensitive to light,or any other device operable to discern light or convert light intoelectrical energy. Such light sensors may receive information via light.For example, one or more light sensors may receive light pulses and maydiscern such light pulses into information based on one or moreinformation encoding schemes stored on memory of a device that includesthe one or more light sensors.

Multiple light sensors may be provided. One or more light sensors mayreceive information from one region on a display that generates, forexample, different pulses or patterns of light over time. Each lightsensor may, for example, receive information from a different lightregion on a display. A light region may communicate light, for example,by transmitting different colors of light (e.g., red, blue, green) orcommunicating information by changing back and forth between two colorsof light (e.g., black and white). Information may be communicated, forexample, based on the transition between colors of light based on time.For example, a transition from one color to a different color may bedetermined as a transition by a device (e.g., a battery-powered paymentcard). A transition may be a change from a particular color (e.g.,black) to another color (e.g., white). Alternatively, a transition maybe a change from any color (e.g., black or white) to a different color(e.g., white or black, respectively). The duration of time between suchtransitions may be utilized to determine a particular bit ofinformation. For example, a “short” period of time between transitionsmay be one bit (e.g., “0” or “1”) while a “long” period of time betweentransitions may be a different bit (e.g., “1” or “0”). In doing so, forexample, the same information may be communicated across displays havingdifferent frame rates using the same encoding scheme. A series oftraining pulses may be sent before and/or after a data message such thata processor receiving information from one or more light pulses maydiscern the difference between a “short” and a “long” period. Forexample, a number of bits (e.g., three, four, or five “0s” or “1s”) mayprecede any data message and may be known as information the processorreceives before a message. Such known bits may be, for example, a“short” period such that a processor may determine the approximateduration of a “short” period and utilize this to determine a “short” or“long” period between future transitions. Alternatively, for example, aprocessor may discern transition and timing information across a datamessage and determine, based on the received data, the transitionperiods that are “long” relative to the other periods. In doing so, theprocessor may discern data from the received transition information. A“long” transition period may be, for example, approximately twice aslong as a “short” transition period. A “long” transition period may be,for example, at least 25 percent longer as a “short” transition period.More than two lengths of transition intervals may be utilized. Forexample, “short,” “medium,” “long,” and “very long” transition intervalsmay be utilized to convey four states of information to a device.

Multiple regions of a display may be utilized to communicate informationto a device (e.g., via a mobile telephonic device, portable computingdevice, or other device) via light. Each region may communicatedifferent tracks of information. Tracks of information may also becommunicated based on the state of each light region at a particulartime. For example, if one region is a particular color during aparticular period of time and another region is a different color duringthat same period of time then the particular combination of these statesduring a particular period may correlate to data information.

Multiple light sensors may allow for data to be communicated in parallelvia multiple independent communication tracks (e.g., via multipleregions of a display providing light information to a device). Forexample, four light sensors may independently receive four data messagesin parallel. Alternatively, for example, multiple light sensors may beutilized to receive a single message. Accordingly, multiple lightsensors may be utilized to receive a single message faster than a singlelight sensor. For example, information may be communicated in more thantwo states (e.g., more than binary). For example, a first light sensorreceiving white while a second light sensor receives black may be a “0.”The first light sensor receiving white while the second light sensorreceives white may be a “1.” The first light sensor receiving blackwhile the second light sensor receives white may be “2.” The first lightsensor receiving black while the second light sensor receives black maybe “3.”

Multiple light sensors may be utilized in a sensor array to determinethe same data from a single light region. Multiple samples may be takenfrom each sensor. Multiple samples from each sensor may be averagedtogether. The averaged samples from each sensor of a sample array may beutilized to determine information. For example, a majority or asupermajority of the sensors in an array may have to provide an averagesample over a period of time indicative of a transition as occurring fora transition for a processor to determine that a transition hasoccurred. A sampling rate for a light sensor may be, for example,greater than 10 samples per second. For example, a processor may take asample from a light sensor more than 20 times per second (e.g., morethan 50 times per second).

A single light sensor may receive information serially in a variety ofways. For example, light may be communicated by providing differentpulse widths of a particular color (e.g., white versus black). Astandard black width may be utilized for synchronization. A white pulsethe same width as the black may be a “0.” A white pulse double the widthof a black pulse may be “1.” A white pulse triple the width of a blackpulse may be “2.” Accordingly, for example, such a scheme may allowinformation to be communicated by a display regardless of the framerate. By comparing one duration of one type of light to another durationof another type of light, information may be communicated regardless ofthe frame rate.

A single light sensor may receive information serially, for example, viafrequency double-frequency encoding. Particularly, for example, aprocessor may receive electrical signals from a light sensor indicativeof the light sensed by a light sensor. Information may be pulsed to theprocessor, via the light sensor, by switching between black and white.The timing of transitions from white to black and black to white may beutilized to communicate information. A number of synchronization pulsesmay be communicated before a message such that the processor may lockonto the periodicity of a particular bit (e.g., “0” or “1”). A shortduration between transitions may be a first bit of data (e.g., “0”)while a long duration between transitions may be a second bit of data(e.g., “1”). Such a scheme may be independent of a frame rate of adisplay. Accordingly, for example, the information may be communicatedvia a display of a television set, a computer monitor, and a mobile cellphone—regardless if the frame rates are different for each device.

The card may receive information from a device having a capacitive touchscreen such that bi-directional communications may occur with the deviceutilizing the capacitive touch screen. For example, a card may receiveinformation via light pulses emitted from the capacitive touch display.More particularly, for example, a software program may be installed in adevice (e.g., a mobile telephone or a tablet computing device) operableto emit messages, via light, to a card and receive messages, via touch,from the card. The bi-directional communication may happen in parallel(e.g., light pulses may be sent to the card simultaneously with touchpulses being received from the card). The bi-directional communicationsmay happen sequentially (e.g., the card may communicate via touch andthen, after the card communicates, the card may receive communicationfrom the device via light and, after the device communicates, the cardmay communicate via touch).

Bi-directional communication may, for example, allow for handshaking tooccur between the two devices such that each device may be identifiedand a secure communication channel may be setup via light pulses andtouch pulses. Such a secure communication channel may have one or more(e.g., three) tracks of information. Additionally, for example,information indicative of a receipt of a message may be communicated vialight and/or touch. Synchronization signals may be communicated beforeand after a message. For example, a string of particular bits (e.g., “0”s) may appear before every message in order for a card, or other device,to lock onto the timing of the information being transmitted in thesignal. For example, a zero may be transmitted via a “short” touch pulseand a one may be transmitted via a “long” touch pulse. In synchronizingthe signal, the receiving device may train itself onto the duration of a“short” touch pulse versus a “long” touch pulse. A “short” touch pulsemay be the time between activations of a capacitive sensor or the timebetween the activation and deactivation of a touch sensor.

A card, or other device (e.g., a mobile telephonic device) may includeone or more light sensors, touch transmitters, capacitive touch sensors,and light emitters. Accordingly, two instances of such a card maycommunicate bi-directionally via light as well as capacitive touch.

An endotracheal tube may include an array of UV LEDs (e.g., 162 highintensity UVC LEDs) on or part of a PCB. Components for driving theintensity, pulse frequency, etc. of some or all of the LEDs (areacontrol) may be on the PCB. The components may include wireless controlcircuitry (WiFi, Bluetooth, low-energy Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-wave, Li-Fi,ultrasonic) or wired control circuitry, for example, via an endotrachealtube made of a material to conduct electricity, pressure(piezoelectric), vibration frequency, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and advantages of the present invention can be moreclearly understood from the following detailed description considered inconjunction with the following drawings, in which the same referencenumerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a system constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a system constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of signals constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of signals constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a scheme constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a system constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a system constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating LED array device circuitsconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating LED array device circuitsconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates LED array devices constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates LED array devices constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows card 100 that may include, for example, a dynamic numberthat may be entirely, or partially, displayed via display 112. A dynamicnumber may include a permanent portion such as, for example, permanentportion 111. Permanent portion 111 may be printed as well as embossed orlaser etched on card 100. Multiple displays may be provided on a card.For example, display 113 may be utilized to display a dynamic code suchas a dynamic security code. Display 125 may also be provided to displaylogos, barcodes, as well as multiple lines of information. A display maybe a bi-stable display or non bi-stable display. Permanent information120 may also be included and may include information such as informationspecific to a user (e.g., a user's name or username) or informationspecific to a card (e.g., a card issue date and/or a card expirationdate). Card 100 may include one or more buttons such as buttons 130-134.Such buttons may be mechanical buttons, capacitive buttons, or acombination or mechanical and capacitive buttons. A button (e.g., button130) may be used, for example, to communicate information through adynamic magnetic stripe communications device indicative of a user'sdesire to communicate a single track of magnetic stripe information.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that pressing a button (e.g.,button 130) may cause information to be communicated through a dynamicmagnetic stripe communications device when an associated read-headdetector detects the presence of a read-head of a magnetic stripereader. Another button (e.g., button 131) may be utilized to communicate(e.g., after button 131 is pressed and after a read-head detects aread-head of a reader) information indicative of a user selection (e.g.,to communicate two tracks of magnetic stripe data). Multiple buttons maybe provided on a card and each button may be associated with differentuser selections.

Architecture 150 may be utilized with any card. Architecture 150 mayinclude processor 120. Processor 120 may have on-board memory forstoring information (e.g., drive code). Any number of components maycommunicate to processor 120 and/or may receive communications fromprocessor 120. For example, one or more displays (e.g., display 140) maybe coupled to processor 120. Persons skilled in the art will appreciatethat components may be placed between particular components andprocessor 120. For example, a display driver circuit may be coupledbetween display 140 and processor 120. Memory 143 may be coupled toprocessor 120. Memory 143 may include data that is unique to aparticular card. For example, memory 143 may store discretionary datacodes associated with buttons of a card (e.g., card 100 of FIG. 1). Suchcodes may be recognized by remote servers to effect particular actions.For example, a code may be stored on memory 143 that causes a promotionto be implemented by a remote server (e.g., a remote server coupled to acard issuer's website). Memory 143 may store types of promotions that auser may have downloaded to the device and selected on the device foruse. Each promotion may be associated with a button. Or, for example, auser may scroll through a list of promotions on a display on the frontof the card (e.g., using buttons to scroll through the list). A user mayselect the type of payment on card 100 via manual input interfacescorresponding to displayed options on display 125. Selected informationmay be communicated to a magnetic stripe reader via a dynamic magneticstripe communications device. Selected information may also becommunicated to a device (e.g., a mobile telephonic device) having acapacitive sensor or other type of touch sensitive sensor.

Card 100 may include, for example, any number of touch triggers 126 orlight sensors 127. Touch triggers 126 may be utilized, for example, toactivate and deactivate a touch sensor on a capacitive, or other, touchscreen. In doing so, a device having a touch screen may believe that auser is physically providing physical instructions to the device when acard is actually providing physical instructions to the device. Lightsensors 127 may be utilized such that a display screen, or other lightemitting device, may communicate information to light sensors 127 vialight.

Any number of reader communication devices may be included inarchitecture 150. For example, IC chip 152 may be included tocommunicate information to an IC chip reader. IC chip 152 may be, forexample, an EMV chip. As per another example, RFID 151 may be includedto communicate information to an RFID reader. A magnetic stripecommunications device may also be included to communicate information toa magnetic stripe reader. Such a magnetic stripe communications devicemay provide electromagnetic signals to a magnetic stripe reader.Different electromagnetic signals may be communicated to a magneticstripe reader to provide different tracks of data. For example,electromagnetic field generators 170, 180, and 185 may be included tocommunicate separate tracks of information to a magnetic stripe reader.Such electromagnetic field generators may include a coil wrapped aroundone or more materials (e.g., a soft-magnetic material and a non-magneticmaterial). Each electromagnetic field generator may communicateinformation serially to a receiver of a magnetic stripe reader forparticular magnetic stripe track. Read-head detectors 171 and 172 may beutilized to sense the presence of a magnetic stripe reader (e.g., aread-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). This sensed informationmay be communicated to processor 120 to cause processor 120 tocommunicate information serially from electromagnetic generators 170,180, and 185 to magnetic stripe track receivers in a read-head housingof a magnetic stripe reader. Accordingly, a magnetic stripecommunications device may change the information communicated to amagnetic stripe reader at any time. Processor 120 may, for example,communicate user-specific and card-specific information through RFID151, IC chip 152, and electromagnetic generators 170, 180, and 185 tocard readers coupled to remote information processing servers (e.g.,purchase authorization servers). Driving circuitry 141 may be utilizedby processor 120, for example, to control electromagnetic generators170, 180, and 185.

Architecture 150 may also include, for example, touch transmitter 142 aswell as light sensor 143. Architecture 150 may communicate informationfrom touch transmitter 142 as well as receive information from lightsensor 143. Processor 120 may communicate information through touchtransmitter 142 and determine information received by light sensor 143.Processor 120 may store information on memory to later be, for example,communicated via touch transmitter 142.

FIG. 2 shows graphical user interface (GUI) 200 that may be displayed,for example, from a stationary or portable computer, a mobile telephonicphone, a tablet computer, a navigational system, a watch, a card, or anydevice having a display screen. Graphical user interface 200 may behosted from a server and may communicate with a number of additionalservers. For example, graphical user interface 200 may be provided on aweb browser, or other application run from a device, to complete apurchase transaction. GUI 200 may be provided upon the completion of apurchase to communicate update information back to a card. Suchinformation may include, for example, an update points balance, creditbalance, debit balance, pre-paid balance, or any other updateinformation. Information may be communicated via light, for example, inlight communication area 280. Status indication area 270 may be utilizedto communicate information to a user while a card is held against adisplay. For example, status indication area 270 may change colors, orprovide a different form of visual indicia, depending on if a update isstarting, in the process of communication, or has completedcommunicating.

One or more light sensors or touch transmitters may be located on a cardor other device. For example, a touch transmitter may be located atapproximately opposite ends of a card as another touch transmitter. Alight sensor may, for example, be located at approximately the oppositeend of a card as a touch transmitter. A user may activate a button(e.g., a download button) to start communicating data via the touchtransmitter. A button may be a physical button, a capacitive touchbutton, or any other type of button.

FIG. 3 shows card 300, which may be provided in a verticalconfiguration. Card 300 may include, for example, issuer logo 310,network logo 370, display 350, manual input interfaces 341-343, touchtransmitter 320, light sensor 330, permanent indicia 351, 362, and 363.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any permanent indiciamay be provided via display 350. For example, one or more payment cardnumbers, user name, expiration date, and security codes may be providedvia display 350.

FIG. 4 shows system 400 that may include mobile telephonic device 490and device 410 (e.g., a payment card). Device 410 may include, forexample, display 420 that may display status indicative of acommunication. A touch transmitter and/or light sensor may be providedon a surface of device 410 opposite display 420. In this manner, forexample, device 410 may communicate with mobile telephonic device 490 asdevice 410 is held against device 490, but device 410 may communicateinformation indicative of the status of a communication via display 420.

Device 490 may include housing 491, button 495, and capacitive touchdisplay screen 499. Device 410 may utilize a touch transmitter to, forexample, communicate information to mobile telephonic device 490.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a mobile bankingapplication may be utilized on mobile telephonic device 490. Device 410may be utilized to properly identify a person securely in order toreduce fraud. Accordingly, device 410 may communicate identificationinformation and security codes, such as time based or used based codes,to device 490 via display 499. Accordingly, such an identification maybe required, for example, by a banking application in order to gainaccess to banking information, execute a financial trade (e.g., a stockor option trade), transfer money, or pay a bill via an electronic check.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple touchtransmitters may communicate data simultaneously in parallel to a touchscreen. Similarly, for example, multiple light sensors may receive datasimultaneously in parallel from a display screen. The information maybe, for example, different or the same. By communicating the sameinformation through different touch transmitters, a device may receivetwo messages and confirm receipt of a communication if the two messagesare the same. Touch transmitters may be utilized, for example, bysoftware on a device to determine the positioning of a device on anassociated touch screen. Similarly, light sensors may be utilized, forexample, to receive information indicative of the positioning of adevice on an associated touch screen.

FIG. 5 shows system 500 that may include a device having a displayscreen displaying light communication areas 510 and 520. Areas 510 and520 may change color, for example, to communicate data. A card mayinclude corresponding light sensors, or arrays of light sensors, inorder to receive data from light areas 510 and 520. Data may bedetermined for example, based on the combination of colors provided inthe light regions. For example, a particular combination of colors maybe associated with a particular data (e.g., a particular bit) and adifferent combination of colors may be associated with a different data(e.g., a different bit). A combination of colors may be utilized as atransition. Such a transition combination may be utilized, for example,to indicate to a card, or other device, the separation of data. Forexample, two regions may be provided. Both regions being determined tobe black may be associated with a transition. One region being whitewhile the other is black may be determined to be associated with one bitof information. One region being black while the other is white may bedetermined to be associated with a different bit of information. Bothregions being white may be utilized to convey the beginning and/orending of a message. A two color scheme may be utilized. More than twocolors may be utilized. Furthermore, for example, a card, or otherdevice, may be able to receive information regardless of the colorsused. For example, information may be discerned based on the colorsbeing different. As such, both colors being the same may be utilized asone bit of information while both colors being different may be utilizedas a different bit of information. In doing so, for example, the samecommunication encoding method may be utilized regardless of the type ofdisplay utilized (e.g., a several color display or a black/white or agreen/yellow display). A clock may be utilized to determine timinginformation. Such a clock may be a clock internal to a processor. Such aclock may alternatively be a clock separate from the processor.

A processor may be configured, for example, to operate in the range ofapproximately 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz (e.g., approximately 2-5megahertz). A battery may be utilized to power the card or other device.A payment card (e.g., a debit, credit, pre-paid, and/or gift card) maybe provided to a customer (e.g., mailed to a customer) with a batterycharged between 3 and 4.5 volts (e.g., between approximately 3.2 and 4.2volts). An electronics package may be laminated into a card after abattery is charged. For example, an electronics package may be laminatedinto a card via a hot or cold lamination process. An electronics packagemay be laminated into a card via an injection molding process utilizingone or more liquid laminates that are hardened via a light, temperature,pressure, time-based, chemical, or other reaction.

System 530 may be included and may include a device having a displaythat displays light communication area 540. Light communication area 540may communicate information via light pulses. Such light pulses maycommunicate data serially. Persons skilled in the art will appreciatethat a single light area and a single, or an array of light sensors, forthat single area may be utilized on a device regardless of screen size.A user may place a card's light sensor, or array of light sensors,against area 540 and may receive data from area 540 as light is pulsedto the card. Information may be communicated, for example, via frequencydouble-frequency encoding. For example, transitions may be determined bya processor and the periods of time between these transitions may beutilized as data. For example, a “short” interval may be discerned asone type of bit of data (e.g., a “0”) while a “long” interval may bediscerned as a different type of bit of data (e.g., a “1”). A transitionmay be determined, for example, as the change of one color to anothercolor (e.g., black to white and white to black) or from one particularcolor to another particular color (e.g., black to white but not white toblack).

Any type of device with a display may be utilized to communicateinformation from a card, or other device, via light. For example, atelevision, mobile telephonic phone, personal computer (e.g.,stationary, portable laptop, or portable tablet computer),automated-teller-machine device, electronic register device, or anyother type of electronic device. Information may be communicated vialight regions provided in webpages, software applications, televisionstreams (e.g., during a commercial or a television show), or any otherdisplay screen or user interface.

FIG. 6 shows signal 610 and signal 620. Signals 610 and 620 may becommunicated, for example, from a single light area on a display to asingle light sensor on a card, or other device. Signal 610 maycommunicate information via the length of a pulse of a particular color(e.g., white) with a baseline width of a different color (e.g., black)(e.g., pulses 611 and 612). Signal 610 may, alternatively, communicateinformation with long durations and short durations of two colors. Forexample, a short duration of white followed by a short duration of blackmay be one bit while a long duration of white followed by a longduration of black may be another bit (e.g., pulses 613 and 614). Signal620 may, for example, communicate information via the time durationsbetween transitions from one state (e.g., white) to another color state(e.g., black). Short durations may be one bit (e.g., “0”) while longdurations may be another bit (e.g., “1”). In doing so, for example,frequency double-frequency encoding may be realized (e.g., via pulses621-624).

FIG. 7 shows data streams 710 and 720. Data stream 710 may includesynchronization pulses 711, information pulses 712, and synchronizationpulses 713. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate thatsynchronization pulses may be provided as a string of a particular bit(e.g., a string of “0” s). In doing so, for example, a card maydetermine the duration of transition changes associated with that bitsuch that information may be properly discerned by the card. In thismanner, information may be communicated, via light, regardless of theframe rate of the display screen communicating the information. Stream720 may include synchronization pulses 721, calibration pulses 722,message type pulses 723, and message pulses 724. Message type pulse mayidentify the type of data included in the subsequent message pulse. Indoing so, for example, the message pulse may be properly identified androuted for processing. Calibration pulses 722 may be utilized by a card,for example, to discern more information about the capabilities of adisplay, how colors are displayed, backlighting attributes, and/orambient light and optical noise. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that calibration pulses may also be synchronization pulsesand synchronization pulses may have different, particular attributes(e.g., brightness or depth of color) such that calibration may occurmore efficiently and effectively. Persons skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that black and white pulses may be utilized on both severalcolor displays and black and white displays.

Numerous applications may be realized utilizing, for example, lightpulses to communicate light to a card or between cards (or otherdevices). For example, a card may receive information via lightindicative of a payment card number (e.g., a credit, debit, pre-paid,and/or gift card number). In doing so, a payment card number may beremotely issued to a card via, for example, a mobile device or aportable computer. A payment card number may be remotely issued, forexample, via a web browser when, for example, a payment card number iscompromised or a new product is desired to be added to a card (e.g., anew credit, debit, or pre-paid product). Alerts may be communicated vialight and received by a card. An alert may instruct a card to provide aparticular visible alert (e.g., a light blinking or particular indiciato be provided on a display) upon receipt, at a particular time, or aparticular frequency. Such an alert, for example, may be indicative of anew promotion that is awaiting a user. Promotions, coupons, andadvertisements may also be downloaded to a card via light. Games may beplayed on a card and game information may be communicated via light. Forexample, a casino loyalty card may receive a particular code via lightand this code may correspond to a game loss or a game win of aparticular amount. The code may be utilized by a game on the card (e.g.,to roll dice on a display or spin a slot machine on a display). Featuresmay be added or switched on a card. For example, a user may add afeature enabling the user to pay for a purchase with points, ininstallments, via a deferred pay, debit pay, prepaid pay, or credit pay.Such features may be switched, for example, on the back-end such thatinformation may not be required to be communicated to the card. Forexample, a user may go online and switch the feature utilized upon theselection of a particular button on the card. In communicating theinformation via light, however, the card may utilize the information toprovide a more functional card. For example, a display located next to abutton may change the information displayed to be indicative of a newfeature such that a user does not have to remember the featuresassociated with particular buttons. Information on a card may beupdated. For example, a user profile (e.g., reward mile status) may beupdated via light pulses. Software on a card may be updated via lightpulses. A user may utilize a particular code to unlock a card byentering this code into buttons. The code may be changed via lightpulses. Similarly a card may become locked until a code is entered intothe card that the user is not aware of. This code may be communicated toa card via light pulses to unlock the card. Timing information may becommunicated to a card (e.g., the date and time of transmission) suchthat a card may update and resynchronize an internal clock. Value may beadded, and stored, on a card via light information. For example,pre-paid or gift amounts may be added to a card. A card may receive ahotel key via light, for example, when a user pays for a hotel room. Anonline check-in feature may be provided via a hotel reservation centersuch that the hotel may download the room key directly to the card. Indoing so, a user may simply go directly to his/her room when the userreaches the hotel. Frequent flier status and/or miles may becommunicated via light. Insurance information, medical records, or othermedical information may be communicated to a card via light. Transitinformation such as subway value/tokens, train value/tokens, ferryvalue/tokens may be added to a card via light or other wirelesscommunication into a card. A transit number (e.g., a monthly passnumber) may be added to a card via light (e.g., or sound).Person-to-person payments may be made via two cards (e.g., via lightsensors and sources of light on the cards). Advertisements may becommunicated to a card via light. Light may be communicated, forexample, via a single color of light. For example, a light source (e.g.,an LED) of a card, or other device, may communicate information toanother card, or device, by turning that light source ON and OFF in apattern recognizable by the other device. A device may be operable toreceive information using different schemes of light communication. Aprocessor of a device receiving a particular scheme may utilizeknowledge of each scheme to determine the scheme being utilized. Indoing so, the processor may determine, for example, the type of devicesending the communications. In this manner, for example, a card may beable to discern when the card is receiving information from a card or anon-card device. Different types of devices may have different types ofhandshakes and security. As such, for example, different types ofapplications (e.g., payment applications) may be utilized by the devicebased on the level of security of the communication.

A card, or other device, may be programmed with application code beforethe electronics package is laminated into a card. The card, or otherdevice, may receive payment card information (e.g., a credit, debit,pre-paid, and/or gift card number) after the electronics package islaminated into a card. In doing so, for example, different facilitiesmay be utilized to laminate and personalize the cards.

FIG. 8 shows color encoding scheme 800. Color encoding scheme 800 may,for example, be implemented by a light source capable of generatingmultiple colors of light. A light sensor may, for example, detect eachcolor of light generated by such a light source and may, for example,discern information communicated based upon the color of light detected.Accordingly, for example, each color of light may exhibit acharacteristic (e.g., wavelength) that may be detected by a light sensorand communicated to a processor. In so doing, data may be communicatedfrom a light source to a processor using changes in lightcharacteristics (e.g., changes in the color and/or intensity of lightgenerated).

A data sequence may be associated with a color and/or a colortransition, such that a number of data bits (e.g., two data bits) may becommunicated based upon the particular color and/or color transitiongenerated. Accordingly, for example, data sequences may be encoded basedupon a color of light that may be initially generated by a light sourceand a color of light that may be generated subsequent to the initiallygenerated color of light.

Color encoding scheme 800 illustrates multiple colors (e.g., six colors)that may be generated by a light source. Other colors (e.g., black andwhite) may also be generated by the light source. Each color and/orcolor transition may, for example, be encoded with a bit sequence, suchthat a light sensor and associated processor that detects each colorand/or each color transition may decode the detected color and/or colortransition into its associated data sequence. Accordingly, for example,multiple data bits (e.g., four bits of data) may be communicated bygenerating a first frame of light having a first color followed bygenerating a second frame of light having a second color in accordancewith color encoding scheme 800. In so doing, for example, four bits ofdata may be communicated by generating two colors of light in twoadjacent frames.

Any data sequence may, for example, be communicated by a light source byfirst generating a start sequence (e.g., generating a black pulsefollowed by a white pulse or generating a white pulse followed by ablack pulse). The next color generated by the light source may representthe first two data bits communicated by the light source as illustrated,for example, by columns 804-810 of row 812. Accordingly, for example, alight source may communicate data sequence 804 (e.g., “00”) if the color“green” is generated after a start sequence, a light source maycommunicate data sequence 806 (e.g., “01”) if the color “blue” isgenerated after a start sequence, a light source may communicate datasequence 808 (e.g., “10”) if the color “cyan” is generated after a startsequence, and a light source may communicate data sequence 810 (e.g.,“11”) if the color “magenta” is generated after a start sequence.

Subsequent data bits may be communicated, for example, based upon acolor transition exhibited by a light source in accordance with colorencoding scheme 800. Accordingly, for example, column 802 may illustratea current color being generated by a light source and based upon a colortransition from one of the colors in column 802 to a subsequent color,the next data bits (e.g., the next two data bits) may be encoded. As peran example, the color “cyan” may be generated by a light sourcesubsequent to a start sequence, which may be encoded as data sequence808 (e.g., “10”) from row 812. A subsequent color transition from “cyan”to “green” may be encoded as data sequence 810 (e.g., “11”) as indicatedby row 814. A subsequent color transition from “green” to “yellow” maybe encoded as data sequence 810 (e.g., “11”) as indicated by row 816. Inso doing, for example, each color transition from a current color to asubsequent color may be encoded as multiple data bits (e.g., two databits), such that two data bits may be encoded for each color change.

Rather than using color, light intensities may be used. Accordingly, forexample, color encoding scheme 800 may be replaced with a lightintensity encoding scheme, whereby light intensities instead of colormay be used to encode data. In so doing, for example, a single color(e.g., “red”) may be used as a carrier, where a brightness of thecarrier may be used to encode the carrier with actual data. In so doing,multiple light intensities (e.g., six different brightness levels) maybe used to encode data.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a larger variety ofcolors (or intensities) may yield a larger number of data bits that maybe encoded per frame of light generated by the light source. Personsskilled in the art will further appreciate that variances in datacommunication rates between a light source and a light sensor may betolerated since color transitions (or intensity transitions) may be usedto indicate data boundaries. In addition, a degree of error correctionmay be implemented by color encoding scheme 800 (or an intensityencoding scheme) since not all color transitions (or intensitytransitions) may be valid.

FIG. 9 shows system 900, which may include device 902 having display910, card (or other device) 904 having light sensor 906 and statusindicator 908. Device 902 may, for example, include display 910 that maygenerate light (e.g., pulses of light 912) from any portion of display910. Light sensor 906 may, for example, be operative to detect light(e.g., pulses of light 912) as generated by display 910. Statusindicator 908 (e.g., an LED) may, for example, generate statusinformation concerning data communicated via light pulses 912.Accordingly, for example, a processor of card 904 may determine whetherlight pulses 912 are being detected and further may decode light pulses912 as data communicated by device 902 to card 904. In so doing, forexample, a status of a detection of light pulses 912 and/or a status ofdecoding light pulses 912 into communicated data may be generated by aprocessor and indicated by status indicator 908 (e.g., LED 908 maygenerate green light 914 if data communication and data decoding issuccessful). Status indicator 908 (e.g., an LED) may, for example, beprovided as a back-facing LED, such that communication status may beindicated on side 918 of card 904 (e.g., through card 904) while datacommunication between card 904 and device 902 may be conducted on anopposite side of card 904.

Light sensor 906 (and other electronic components) may, for example, beelectrically and/or mechanically bonded to a printed circuit board ofcard 904 to form an electronic assembly. Such an electronic assembly maybe encapsulated by an injection molding process (e.g., an injectionmolding process based on a reaction of two materials or one material).For example, a silicon-based material or a polyurethane-based materialmay be injected and cured (e.g., using a temperature, light, pressure,time-based, and/or chemical reaction) to form the electronics package.The electronics package (and other components of card 904) may besandwiched between layers of laminate (e.g., layers of polymerlaminate), such that both surfaces of card 904 may be formed by a layerof laminate. An injection process may inject material between suchlayers of polymer. An injection process may, for example, place anelectronics package on one layer of polymer, inject one or moreinjection laminate materials over the electronics package, and thenplace a different layer of polymer over the electronics package coveredin one or more liquid injection laminates. A reaction may then occur toharden the structure into a card.

The electronics package may be formed via a lamination process intoother structures such as, for example, a mobile telephonic device,portable tablet computer, portable laptop computer, watch, any othertype of electronic device, or any part of any electronic device. Lightsensor 906 may, for example, be sensitive to light pulses 912 even whenlight sensor 906 is buried below one or more layers of laminatematerial. A card may be printed with indicia. Areas that may block lightto a light sensor may be printed, for example, with lighter colors.Alternatively, no printing ink/material may be placed above a lightsensor such that the light sensor may receive light unimpeded by printink/material. One or more light sensors may be provided on one side of acard while one or more touch transmitters may be provided on theopposite side of a card. One or more light sensors may be provided onthe same side of a card as one or more touch transmitters. One or moresources of light may be placed on the same or different sides as one ormore light sensors. In placing a light sensor on a different side as alight source, a user may hold the light sensor side of the card to adisplay and receive a visual indication via one or more light sensors(or displays) on the back of the card that an action has occurred (e.g.,a communication has not yet begun, a communication has begun, acommunication is in progress, a communication is complete, acommunication has failed, a communication was correctly completed).

Light sensor 906 may, for example, be sensitive to a wide frequencyrange of signals. For example, device 902 may refresh display 910 at aparticular rate (e.g., 50 or 60 Hz) such that refresh rate noise may bedetected by light sensor 906. As per another example, display 910 mayprovide back lighting that may be controlled (e.g., pulse widthmodulated) at another frequency rate (e.g., hundreds of Hz to thousandsof Hz) such that back-lighting control noise may be detected by lightsensor 906. As per yet another example, a scrolling refresh rate may beexhibited by display 910, whereby pixels of display 910 may be refreshedin a left-to-right, top-to-bottom sequence, thereby affecting a color orintensity of light pulses 912. Accordingly, for example, a processor ofcard 904 may execute an application (e.g., a digital signal processingapplication) that may be used to cancel (e.g., filter out) such noiseeffects. Light sensor 906 may detect light pulses 912 at a varyingdistance 916. For example, display 910 may generate light pulses havinga high intensity, such that distance 916 may be maximized (e.g., card904 may be held further away from display 910 to detect light pulses 912having a relatively high intensity). Alternately, for example, display910 may generate light pulses having a low intensity, such that distance916 may be minimized (e.g., card 904 may be held closer to display 910to detect light pulses 912 having a relatively low intensity). Ambientlight (e.g., light not generated by display 910) may also decreasedistance 916 (e.g., card 904 may need to be held closer to display 910in the presence of ambient light) to allow detection of light pulses912.

A user may, for example, utilize status indicator 908 to determinewhether distance 916 is adequate to support reliable data communicationbetween device 902 and card 904. Accordingly, for example, if distance916 is too large to support reliable data communication, statusindicator 908 (e.g., an LED) may indicate such a status (e.g.,illuminate red light). Alternately, for example, if distance 916 isadequate to support reliable data communication, status indicator 908(e.g., an LED) may indicate such a status (e.g., illuminate greenlight). In so doing, for example, a user of card 904 may obtaincommunication status from status indicator 908, so that the user maybring card 904 within an acceptable communication distance 916 of device902.

A processor may determine a color by receiving one or more samples oflight within a particular range of wavelengths. Multiple samples may beaveraged together during a sampling interval to determine an averagewavelength or other characteristic (e.g., intensity) and this averagecharacteristic over a period of time, may be utilized for determinationcalculations. A particular number of samples may be taken (e.g., two,three, four, or more than four) and averaged together and the average ofthese samples may be utilized by a processor to make determinations.

FIG. 10 shows system 1000, which may include light source 1002, card (orother device) 1004 having light sensor 1006, and reflecting device 1012.Light source 1002 may, for example, provide light pulses 1010 that maybe detected by light sensor 1006 as reflected light pulses 1008.Accordingly, for example, light sensor 1006 of card 1004 may receivecommunicated data from devices that may use a projection medium (e.g., aprojection TV). Other light sources may, for example, generate ambientlight 1014 that may be detected by light sensor 1006. Accordingly, forexample, a processor of card 1004 may use filtering (e.g., a digitalsignal processing algorithm) to cancel the effects of ambient light 1014so that data encoded within light pulses 1008 may be more accuratelydetected and decoded by the processor.

According to example embodiments, a flexible device may include a lightsource including an LED array, for example, an array including highintensity, state-of-the-art LEDS, for example, 10 to 500 LEDs, 100-400LEDs (e.g., 168 LEDs). The LED array may be used as a light source of acard or other device.

According to some example embodiments, the LED array (or deviceincluding the LED array) may be flexible and the LED array may includeultraviolet (UV) LEDs tuned to a particular spectrum, for example, UV-A,UV-B, UV-C.

A UV-C array may emit light of about 200 to 280 nanometers, such as220-260 nanometers (e.g., 252 nanometers). The LED array may be flexibleand may be shaped a variety of ways. For example, the LED array may berolled and placed into, or made integral with, or shaped to be a tube,for example, a nasal tube, bronchoscope tube, tracheal tube, or used asa facemask. As another example, the LED array (LED array and componentcircuit board) may be itself shaped to be a tube or facemask. The LEDarray may medical grade UV LEDs on a medical grade PCB and configuredfor placement into a patient's trachea, the lung (e.g., bronchial tubessimilarly to bronchoscopy), or one or both of the nasal cavities orpleural cavity or a lung cavity for modification of a contaminant, forexample, sterilization by DNA/RNA alteration or other routes (e.g.,inactivation or destruction of COVID-19, SARS, and/or other viral ornon-viral ARDs causing contaminants).

Treatment may be for viruses, for example, uncured viruses that impactthe lung or nasal cavity or a lung cavity. Placement of a high-intensityUV light source inside the lung may sterilize some or all of activevirus contaminants in that region, or in any event reduce a patient'sviral load sufficient for a patient's immune system to succeed withoutbeing overwhelmed. This may immediately cut off or decrease the growthof the virus and allow the human body to more effectively combat thevirus, or mitigate lung damage.

According to example embodiments, critical areas of the body may be atleast in part sterilized of virus in vivo. Tubes including the UV LEDarray may not include UV blocking substances, for example, silver orsilicon. The LED array may not be occlusive or marginally occlusive oftubing.

A benefit of an LED array solution is that it may be globally deployedwithin a short period of time (e.g., a week) at scale and at negligiblecost. Design and manufacturing files, firmware, and programming andtesting process may be released to flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB)manufacturers, for example, in every country.

Different PCB technologies may have variability in thickness andflexibility, and a percentage (e.g., 10%) of existing PCB manufacturersmay produce their first circuit board with medical grade UV LEDs thatmay be fitted into a ventilator or trachea tube within days (e.g., 24-36hours).

Placement of electronic components after the PCB is manufactured mayonly require traditional Surface Mount (SMT) and Chip-On-Board (COB)assembler. Many PCB houses perform SMT and COB so the entire device maybe produced under a single roof. In less than 24 hours, a device may beproduced for every person in the world infected with a disease. The LEDarrays or tubes incorporating the arrays (and other components to drivethe array) may be reusable.

LED arrays, PCBs and associated components for in vivo treatment may belaminated and may be washable. Such flexible electronics may follow theentire tube (or be made integral with the tube or be the tube) and mayflex as the tube flexes so that the passageway (nasal, tracheal, etc.)may be illuminated in UV light. According to at least one exampleembodiment, an LED array may be placed and aligned to irradiate nasalpassages from outside the nose (angular illumination) and/or shaped as anasal cannula.

Some damage of normal human cells may occur from UVC treatment.Narrowing of the wavelength of UV to amplify the sterilization of theCOVID-19 virus may lessen or minimize the impact on human cells.Similarly, damage may be tuned by controlling the intensity andfrequency of pulses of UV radiation to minimize the impact on humancells.

Virus density in nasal passages may directly correlate to the frequencyand severity of the virus impacting the lungs. Placing UV electronics inthe nasal passageway for all patients that test positive for an ARDscausing contaminant may have benefit through reducing virus densityand 1) reducing the potential impact to the lungs; and 2) provide thepatient more time build a natural defense. Treatment may be performedmultiple times over the course of a treatment period.

According to some example embodiments, a full human system UV treatmentis provided to treat almost all of the human system with UV (savecritical, sensitive areas). For example, vehicle sized UV systems maymove large, high intensity UV lighting over surfaces that areapproximately 2×4 feet across. Both sides of the human body may beilluminated in non-critical areas and provide differentintensities/pulses for different parts of the body and bodydensity/size, as well as tuning to particular viruses or penetration ofparticular body material (e.g., alveolar tissue) for improvedsterilization or viral load reduction.

According to some example embodiments, a pulse frequency of UV light ismade as high as possible. For example, 260 nm UV light may be providedin femtosecond, nanosecond, microsecond or millisecond pulses (e.g.,between 1 and 100 femtoseconds). For example, UV exposure may be 1femtosecond “on” and 10 femtoseconds “off” (duty cycle). Short ON pulsesand/or staggered in array with longer OFF pulses may reduce temperatureat any one point (reduce heat generated by UV irradiation).

Active and/or passive cooling may be included with an LED array device.LED efficiency decreases with decreasing wavelength. Energy lost due toinefficiency becomes heat and should be removed. According to someexample embodiments, for an entire 100 LED array with a 4× rest pulsefor every active pulse, 20 LEDs of the array may be on each pulse and 80may rest for 4 pulses.

Heat may be additionally or alternatively reduced according to exampleembodiments with a micro heat sink, radiative fins for distribution overvolume, passive convection through an integrated fluid, metal channelsfor passive conduction, active thermoelectric cooling, or forcedconvection through air or liquid. For example, apertures may be cut intocircuit boards adjacent to UV LEDs. Filters placed inside of a tube mayblock the tubing. According to some example embodiments, air may passthrough the apertures and past the LEDs for cooling. Multiple LED arrayswith circuit board apertures may be placed next to one another, forexample, with apertures staggered. According to at least one exampleembodiment, a micro heat sink may include a thin heat conductor (thinnerthan the LEDs of the LED array) with apertures placed over the LED arrayto rest under the LED surface.

According to other example embodiments, continuous radiation or acombination of continuous radiation and pulses may be effective.

According to some example embodiments, a UVC LED array may be insertedinto a patient's pleural cavity in the manner of a thoracentesis.According to some example embodiments, artery catheterization isperformed with an LED array probe (pulmonary artery, femoral artery,etc.) in the manner of an angiogram/cardiac catheterization. Accordingto some example embodiments, an LED array may be inserted into an arteryor other vessel as a stent-like structure.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating flexible LED array devicecircuits constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention A device LED array circuit in accordance with FIG. 11 may be,for example, a bronchoscope tube, nasal cannula, rectal tube,thoracentesis needle, and/or any structure which may be inserted intoliving tissue or body orifices, and/or inserted into and/or around sucha structure. Fold lines are shown in FIG. 11. A portion of a PCBincluding mounted UV LEDs may be folded around a portion of the boardincluding components (e.g., a drive circuit, wireless communicationcircuit, processor and/or other components). Cross-section 1050 shows across-section of a folded structure (e.g., tubing) without the componentportion for clarity.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating LED array device circuits.Referring to FIG. 12, a compact arrangement may include one or more LEDarrays and associated driving circuitry, which may include wired orwireless communications to other circuitry (not shown).

FIG. 13 illustrates LED array devices 1310, 1320, 1330, 1347 and 1375.Referring to FIG. 13, LED array device 1310 may include substrate 1312and LEDs 1315. Device 1310 may include driving circuitry, processingcircuitry, communications circuitry and/or heat reduction structures(not shown). Substrate 1312 may be flexible and may be a PCB (e.g., asingle or multilayer flexible PCB).

LED array 1315 may be part of substrate 1312 and/or connected tosubstrate 1312. LED array 1315 may include different LEDs to emitradiation of a variety of spectrums or a single spectrum or may includethe same type of LEDs an emit radiation about monochromatically. Forexample, LED array may include ultraviolet LEDs.

LED array device 1320 may be a cylindrical exterior lamp and may includesubstrate 1323 and LED array 1325. Device 1320 may include drivingcircuitry, processing circuitry, communications circuitry and/or heatreduction structures (not shown). Substrate 1323 may be flexible and maybe a PCB (e.g., a single or multilayer flexible PCB). LED array 1325 maybe part of substrate 1323 and/or connected to substrate 1323 (e.g., as acomponent). LED array 1325 may emit radiation of a variety of spectrumsor a single spectrum or may be about monochromatic. According to someexample embodiments, LED array 1325 may include ultraviolet LEDs.

Substrate 1323 and LED array 1325 may be, for example, rolled into atube shape. LED array 1325 may be externally facing to illuminate areasoutside of LED array device 1320.

LED array device 1345 may be a cylindrical interior lamp and may includesubstrate 1347 and LED array 1350. Device 1345 may include drivingcircuitry, processing circuitry, communications circuitry and/or heatreduction structures (not shown). Substrate 1347 may be flexible and maybe a PCB (e.g., a single or multilayer flexible PCB). LED array 1350 maybe part of substrate 1347 and/or connected to substrate 1347. LED array1350 may emit radiation of a variety of spectrums or a single spectrumor may be about monochromatic. According to some example embodiments,LED array 1350 may include ultraviolet LEDs.

Substrate 1347 and LED array 1350 may be, for example, rolled into atube shape. LED array 1325 may be internally facing to illuminate areasinside of and/or between the surfaces of LED array device 1320.

LED array device 1330 may include substrate 1335 and LED array 1340.Device 1330 may include driving circuitry, processing circuitry,communications circuitry and/or heat reduction structures (not shown).Substrate 1335 may be flexible and may be a PCB (e.g., a single ormultilayer flexible PCB). LED array 1340 may be part of substrate 1335and/or connected to substrate 1335 (e.g., as a component). LED array1340 may emit radiation of a variety of spectrums or a single spectrumor may be about monochromatic. According to some example embodiments,LED array 1340 may include ultraviolet LEDs.

Substrate 1335 and LED array 1340 may be, for example, folded into theform of a two sided lamp. According to some example embodiments,substrate 1335 may be a multiple layer flexible circuit board with LEDson opposite sides of the multiple layer structure. According to at leastone example embodiment, array components (not shown) may be in a spacebetween layers of the multiple layer circuit board, shown by referencecharacter 1337, or no spacing 1337 may be included.

According to some example embodiments, the multiple layer circuit boardmay include three or more layers of material, for example, material ofvarying opacity in a range from transparent to less than about opaquesuch that the intensity of radiation in a particular direction may bevaried or intensified in comparison to a different direction. Accordingto at least one example embodiment, circuit board layers may betransparent and the intensity of LED's controllable, with spacingbetween LEDs for phase control, constructive and/or destructiveinterference, to radiate varying intensities in different directions orincrease or maximize intensity in a single direction.

According to at least one example embodiment, an LED array device mayinclude a diffraction nanostructure and sensor(s) to selectively radiateradiation fields and dynamically apply intensity based on tissuestructure shape and/or density, for example, for dose limitedirradiation. An LED array device may include, for example, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) structure including nanoscale diffraction gratingsand may dynamically change the direction and focal point and/or depth offield of radiation. Wave harmonics may be dynamically adjusted, forexample, using multiple LED devices for each LCD pixel with varyingharmonic filtration.

LED array device 1375 may be a cylindrical interior/exterior lamp andmay include substrate 1377 and LED array 1380. Device 1375 may includedriving circuitry, processing circuitry, communications circuitry and/orheat reduction structures (not shown). Substrate 1377 may be flexibleand may be a PCB (e.g., a single or multilayer flexible PCB). LED array1380 may be part of substrate 1377 and/or connected to substrate 1377(e.g., as a component). LED array 1380 may emit radiation of a varietyof spectrums or a single spectrum or may be about monochromatic.According to some example embodiments, LED array 1380 may includeultraviolet LEDs.

Substrate 1377 and LED array 1380 may be, for example, rolled into atube shape. LED array 1325 may be internally and externally facing toilluminate areas outside, inside of and/or between the surfaces of LEDarray device 1320.

According to example embodiments, a cylindrical LED lamp may have 2sides, 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, 6 sides or more than 6 sides.According to some example embodiments, a cylindrical LED lamp may befolded (e.g., folded in half) to provide double walled LED radiation orenfolded radiation.

An LED array according to example embodiments may include individuallycontrollable LEDs, groupings of controllable LEDs and/or array levelcontrol of LEDs. Control of LEDs may include directional, pulse widthand/or intensity control (e.g., PWM duty cycle), for example, control atthe column and/or row level. According to some example embodiments,intensity may be controlled by activation of a subset of LEDs or asubset of arrays of LEDs.

Both ventilator mechanical systems and body structures may beasymmetrical. According to some example embodiments, LED level controlmay provide for uniformity of irradiation despite differing structuralsurfaces, densities, distances (microns to millimeters with respect totargets) or other dose affecting differences. For example, pulsecharacteristics may be changed for different portions of an LED arrayand/or different LED arrays based on adjacent structuralcharacteristics, for example, characteristics identified by a scan(e.g., a concurrent ultrasound scan) or sensors of an LED array(optical, ultrasonic, electrical methods, for example). Energy ofirradiation may be, for example 0.1 mJ/cm² to hundreds of mJ/cm². Pulsesmay provide such energy without bleaching and faster than heat diffusionmechanisms, and without heating up of tissues, via pulse rates, heat orpower dissipation.

Although example embodiments may be described with respect to arrays inthe singular, the description is made only for purposes of clarity, andmultiple arrays may be included. Each array may include dedicatedcircuitry (e.g., drive circuitry) or the same circuitry may be used formultiple arrays (e.g., sequentially controlled arrays). According tosome example embodiments, array circuitry may be remote from the LEDs ofan array and the LEDs may be controlled by a wired and/or wirelessconnection to provide for sophisticated pulse modulation schemes, forexample, based on scans. For example, an LED array used for bronchoscopymay inserted as a light wand with all or some circuitry outside of thebronchoscopy tube, or all circuitry may be inside the tube.

FIG. 14 illustrates flexible LED array devices constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, oneor more LED arrays may be a filter, part of a filter and/or coupled to afilter. An LED filter may be, for example, a UV-A, UV-B and/or UV-Cfilter. According to some example embodiments, a wavelength 200 nm to300 nm (e.g., deep UV of 200 nm to 220 nm), for example, 220 nm to 280nm, more preferably 240 nm to 280 nm, more preferably 260 nm to 280 nm(e.g., approximately 260 nm).

Filter 1420 may be a tube filter (e.g., e-filter) include LEDs (e.g., UVLEDs). Filter 1420 may be part of, for example, a medical ventilatorsystem. Filter 1420 may be permanent or disposable, and may be washableor single use. Filter 1440 may be, for example, a tube covered e-filter.

Filter 1460 may be a small or reduced footprint low or reduced airresistance filter with any number of layers. Filters 1460 and 1480 maybe inline or sampling filters, and may include a corded power supplyand/or a battery. Filter 1480 may be an ultra low resistance, largechannel filter.

For example, filters 1460 and 1480 may be different types of an inlineventilator filter on the intake and/or output of a ventilator, and mayinclude LEDs and/or one or more arrays of LEDs, an LED array(s) statusdisplay, an on/off button, software providing different modes (e.g.,modes for specific viruses), a power supply (e.g., corded and/orrechargeable battery), audible alarms (e.g., battery charging or levelalarms, for example, 30 mins to 60 mins prior to an adverse event),visual alarms (flashing of LED arrays when no longer capable ofperforming an intended function), and/or the like. An LED array filteraccording to example embodiments may include additional filtration, forexample, a permanent or replaceable particulate filter.

For example, the main components of a simple positive pressureventilator may include gas supply (e.g., high pressure air source andoxygen source), pressure generator, gas blender, gas accumulator,inspiratory flow regulator, humidification system, disposable/reusablepatient circuit, a patient's lungs, expiratory pressure regulator (e.g.,PEEP valve), sensors (concentration/flow/pressure/volume), gas intakeparticle filters, pre-circuit bacteria filters, moisture traps,heat/moisture exchanger, and/or expired gas filters, as well as alarmmechanisms and power supply.

A filter on the intake of a ventilator system according to exampleembodiments may be inline and before or after conventional ventilatorfiltration (e.g., micro-particulate filter). A filter may preventrecirculation of bacteria or virus exhausted from a ventilator, orintake of viruses from other patients, visitors or staff. A filteraccording to some example embodiments may be inline with an exhalationline of a ventilator, before or after conventional filtration. Accordingto at least some example embodiments, LED array filtration may be addedas the first component of an intake and/or the last component of anexhaust of a ventilator.

An LED array filter may include an input and output valve. An LED arrayfilter may include any number of LED arrays, for example, 10 LED arrays,20 LED arrays, 30 LED arrays. A number of LED arrays may be based onviral sterilization rates for particular gas flows. According to atleast one example embodiment, a number of LED arrays may, for example,corresponded to maximum gas flows and pressures, and the number used maychange based on flow and pressure. Changes in pressure and flow ratesmay be briefly delayed during automatic reduction or increase in thenumber of UV LED arrays receiving power to ensure sufficient irradiationis provided during circuit powering.

Example embodiments in accordance with the present invention may bevariously combined as would be understood by persons of ordinary skillin the art in possession of the present disclosure.

An LED array device in accordance with some example embodiments mayinclude a substrate, for example, a multiple layer flexible circuitboard with a layer thickness of about 1 mils to 4 mils, for example,about 2 mils to 3 mils. Components may be mounted on the circuit board,for example, one or more LEDs, UV LEDs, microprocessors, drive circuits,buffer chips, secure elements, memories, microcontrollers, wireless orwired communication modules, detectors/sensors, resistors, capacitors,variable resistive elements, attenuators, heat dissipation units,address selection circuits, multiplexors, power regulator, clocks (e.g.,quartz crystal), power supplies, shift registers, transistors,connection sockets, components that perform the same or similarfunctions, and/or the like. According to at least one exampleembodiment, an LED array may include any combination of rows andcolumns, including as examples 54b 5×7, 5×8, 8×8, 6×16, 24×6, 12×12,6×24, 7×24, 8×24, 12×24, arrays.

According to example embodiments, LED arrays may not be provided asinline filters, and may be attached externally to tubing, for example, asnap system to snap LED arrays to ventilator tubing. LED arrays may belaminated and waterproof, and easily cleaned for continuous use orreplaced without invasive entry into the ventilator system ormodification thereof. A ventilator may include tubing, and an LED arrayfilter system for a ventilator according to example embodiments may beintegral with or pre-attached to tubing and replace existing tubing(flexible and/or articulated LED array substrates or portions of thearray) without requiring modification of any portion of existingventilator systems. Tubing may be made of a UV blocking or reducingmaterial and UV radiation from an LED array may not radiate outside thetubing or partially radiate outside of the tubing. According to someexample embodiments, tubing may include UV waveguides for total internalreflection. Heat dissipation units, such as fins, may be attached to orpart of the LED array.

Although example embodiments are described with respect to cylindricalfilters, filters are not limited to cylinders and may be, for example,rectangular, spherical, or any other shape.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the presentinvention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, thepresent invention more generally involves dynamic information. Personsskilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of thepresent invention may be implemented in other ways then those describedherein. All such modifications are within the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tube, comprising: an array of UV-C LEDs.
 2. Thetube of claim 1, wherein the tube is an endotracheal tube.
 3. The tubeof claim 1, wherein the tube is a bronchoscope tube.
 4. The tube ofclaim 1, wherein the tube is a nasal cannula.
 5. The tube of claim 1,wherein the tube is a thoracentesis needle.
 6. An insert to a tube,comprising: an array of UVC LEDs.
 7. The insert of claim 1, wherein thetube is an endotracheal tube.
 8. The insert of claim 1, wherein the tubeis a bronchoscope tube.
 9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the tube is anasal cannula.
 10. The insert of claim 1, wherein the tube is athoracentesis needle.
 11. A ventilator filter, comprising: an array ofUV-C LEDs.